Czech prime minister says US tariffs threaten EU trade

ISTANBUL

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Saturday said that the recently announced US tariffs would threaten the EU trade, Radio Prague International reported.

Fiala said that the US tariffs would "negatively" impact transatlantic trade, and reiterated the significance of continuing negotiations to avoid escalating economic tensions.

He further voiced support to ongoing diplomatic efforts, calling for unity and a "firm" approach across EU to safeguard economic interests and ensure fair treatment for European businesses.

On Saturday, Trump announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico starting Aug. 1, putting US-EU trade talks at risk, as the bloc had aimed to finalize a comprehensive trade deal this month.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared separate letters addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, announcing a 30% tariff on goods bound for the US from Europe and Mexico.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen then voiced readiness to work toward an agreement with the US by Aug. 1 and vowed to take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures.